Josh Gordon may not have been present for the New England Patriots' Divisional Round playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday afternoon, but that did not stop him from congratulating them afterward:
Josh Gordon checks in on Instagram. #Patriots pic.twitter.com/fVR0ZxZ8Cu
— Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) January 14, 2019
You really have to feel for Gordon, who stepped away from the team in December to focus on his mental health. He was then suspended indefinitely by the NFL for violating the terms of his conditional reinstatement under the league's drug policy.
The Patriots acquired Gordon in a trade with the Cleveland Browns back in the middle of September.
In 11 games with New England, Gordon hauled in 40 receptions for 720 yards and three touchdowns, providing Tom Brady with a consistently reliable option in the passing game.
Gordon has struggled with drugs throughout his career.
He was suspended for two whole seasons in 2015 and 2016 for violating the league's substance abuse policy, finally being reinstated last year.
The 27-year-old, who played his collegiate football at Baylor University, was originally selected by the Browns in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft.
He had an impressive rookie campaign, catching 50 passes for 805 yards and five scores. He then broke out in a big way during his sophomore season, racking up 87 catches for a league-leading 1,646 yards and nine touchdowns en route to a Pro Bowl appearance and a First-Team All-Pro selection.
If Gordon were able to stay on the straight and narrow, he would probably be one of the best—if not the best—receivers in the NFL right now.
The Patriots will take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game next weekend.
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